How to Use SewTites to Make Longarm Side Clamp Extenders

If you've ever hit your side clamps with your ruler base, thanks to Barb Tatera, a Handi Quilter educator, we have a solution for you!

(Check out Barb on Facebook here and Instagram here.)

Follow these easy instructions to make longarm extenders using SewTites.

Best of all, SewTites make using pins for the extenders a thing of the past!

(Goodbye, pin pricks!)

**If you're worried about magnet strength because you like to clamp more than just the backing, you could swap out HDs or Magnums for the Original SewTites and execute in a similar, albeit slightly altered way (since these SewTites models are wider than the Originals, you'll need to make your strips wider as well).**

Step 1

Depending on your frame you may need 4 or 6 side clamps. Each side clamp needs one Original SewTites magnet and a 2 ½ width of fabric strip.

Step 2

Fold the short end (2 ½ inch) of the strip and sew to finish the raw edge.

Step 3

Place the finished ends in the center, right sides together. Sew along each side of the strip. Use the opening between the finished short ends to turn the strip right sides out. 

Step 4

Press.

Step 5

Slip an Original SewTites magnet (the colored plastic part) into one end of the turned strip and the metal backing/plate into the other end of the strip.

Step 6

Using your home sewing machine and zipper foot, sew a casing that will hold the SewTites magnet and backing in place.

Step 7

Repeat these steps to make an extender for each of the side clamps, then attach to the magnetic ends to your quilt backing, as shown below.

P.S. If you've not tried SewTites Magnums for loading your quilts onto your longarm, you're missing out! It's a super fast and pin-free way to load your quilts.